Did you know, the Porte de Charenton used to be a gate in the 19th-century Thiers wall? The wall was built to defend Paris from invaders. It was a formidable barrier, composed of stone and iron, and it consisted of 99 gates. Today, the Porte de Charenton is a busy intersection, where the Boulevard Poniatowski, Rue de Charenton, and Avenue de la Porte-de-Charenton meet. The history of this gate is linked closely to the nearby Bois de Vincennes, a sprawling park on the eastern edge of Paris. In 1931, this gate’s history was written into the fabric of Paris when it was used to name the new Metro station built on the line that extended from Richelieu-Drouot. It was the southeastern terminus of the line until it was extended to Charenton-Écoles in 1942. Nowadays, the Porte de Charenton is a hub of activity. It is a well-connected place, being served by the Metro Line 8, the T3a tramway, and several bus lines. You can feel the pulse of Paris as you cross the intersection, the traffic flowing in all directions, the horns honking, the city lights reflecting off the wet pavement on a rainy day.
Église Notre-Dame de l’Air
Beneath what appears to be a simple stone and wood structure lies a history interwoven with faith aviation and community.